Date:    01/31/2000  5:17 PM

Subject: File No. S7-24-99 comments

Dear Sirs,
     
         I am writing with regard to the issues regarding short selling and 
the investing public.  It is very importance that the  playing field is 
leveled for the investing public with regard to short
selling.   I believe it is time to enforce one set of short-selling rules 
which will
apply to both market makers and the investing public. I urge you to remove 
the unfair and discriminatory regulations that restrict the public's 
ability to short-sell stocks, while providing preferential treatment only 
for the market makers and industry insiders.
         Every day, market pros short sell IPO's, short sell on downticks, and
short sell without regard to the availability of certificates. They do it 
quietly, without regulation, and without a requirement for disclosure; 
often in direct contradiction to the public "recommendations" of analysts 
from the very same firms.
The public will be best served by administering the markets so that every 
investor wishing to place their own money in an "at-risk" trade be allowed 
to do so under the same rules.
I urge you to eliminate current restrictions on short selling, and allow 
the public to sell short by the same rules as market makers.
Thank you for receiving input on this critical issue.
     
Sincerely,
     
     
Craig Bartels
Indiana RX-7 Club